L'USCIS achève le tirage au sort pour le quota H-1B de l'exercice 2027 grâce à un nouveau système de sélection basé sur les salaires

Kris Quadros-Ragar • April 9, 2026

 Click here to read this article in English


Les Services de citoyenneté et d'immigration des États-Unis (USCIS) ont clôturé le tirage au sort annuel pour l'attribution des visas H-1B de l'exercice 2027 ; les employeurs et leurs représentants légaux peuvent désormais consulter les résultats de la sélection via leurs portails d'inscription.


Volume d'inscriptions et limites du quota


Le nombre de demandes soumises par les employeurs pendant la période d'inscription a dépassé le quota disponible, qui comprend :

 

  • 65 000 visas H-1B standard
  • 20 000 places supplémentaires réservées aux titulaires de diplômes supérieurs américains

 

L'USCIS n'a pas encore publié de chiffres précis concernant le nombre total d'inscriptions reçues.


Nouveau système de tirage au sort pondéré par le salaire


Un changement important cette année concerne la mise en œuvre par le Département de la Sécurité intérieure d'une méthode de sélection donnant la priorité au salaire, qui remplace l'ancien système de tirage au sort aléatoire. Cette nouvelle approche favorise les candidats bénéficiant de niveaux de rémunération plus élevés, sur la base du cadre de rémunération en vigueur à quatre niveaux défini par les statistiques sur l'emploi et les salaires (OEWS) du ministère du Travail.


Statut de sélection et prochaines étapes


Seuls les bénéficiaires ayant le statut « Sélectionné » pour l'exercice 2027 sont éligibles pour le dépôt d'une demande de visa H-1B par leurs employeurs potentiels. Les inscriptions non sélectionnées conservant le statut « Soumis » restent éligibles pour d'éventuels futurs tirages au sort si l'USCIS procède à des sélections supplémentaires.


Possibilité de tirages au sort supplémentaires


Si l'USCIS ne reçoit pas suffisamment de demandes H-1B pour des bénéficiaires uniques afin d'atteindre la limite annuelle de 85 000 d'ici le 30 juin, des tirages au sort supplémentaires pourraient avoir lieu. Cette probabilité dépend du nombre de sélections initiales ainsi que des taux de soumission et d'approbation des demandes ultérieures.


Le contexte historique montre des tendances variables : l'exercice 2026 a comporté un seul tirage au sort, tandis que les exercices 2024 et 2025 en ont chacun comporté deux, avec des périodes de dépôt distinctes de 90 jours. L'impact du nouveau système basé sur les salaires et des frais de notification consulaire de 100 000 dollars sur les taux de dépôt des demandes reste incertain.


Calendrier et exigences de dépôt


L'USCIS acceptera les demandes H-1B soumises dans le cadre du quota à partir du 1er avril 2026, la date limite de dépôt étant fixée au 30 juin 2026 pour les candidats initialement sélectionnés par tirage au sort.


De nouvelles exigences en matière de documentation imposent que les demandes incluent les documents sources justifiant la détermination du niveau de salaire OEWS utilisée lors de l'enregistrement.


Considérations urgentes


Certains cas nécessitent un dépôt accéléré pendant cette période. Par exemple, les étudiants F-1 dont l'autorisation de formation pratique optionnelle (OPT) expire avant le 30 juin doivent déposer leur demande de changement de statut avant l'expiration de leur OPT afin de conserver les avantages liés à l'autorisation de travail « cap-gap ».


Les organisations doivent collaborer avec un conseiller en immigration pour identifier les bénéficiaires nécessitant un dépôt prioritaire.


Frais de traitement consulaire de 100 000 $


Les employeurs sont confrontés à une nouvelle contrainte financière importante : lorsque les demandes de changement de statut ne peuvent pas être approuvées et que les demandes doivent passer par la notification consulaire, des frais de 100 000 $ s'appliquent, sauf si une dérogation pour intérêt national (NIE) est obtenue. À l'heure actuelle, aucune dérogation NIE n'a été accordée, y compris pour les demandes concernant des professionnels de santé destinés à des communautés mal desservies.


Les bénéficiaires sélectionnés et leurs employeurs parrains sont vivement encouragés à contacter notre équipe chez Santos Lloyd pour obtenir des conseils complets tout au long du processus de demande de visa H-1B. Compte tenu de la complexité du nouveau système pondéré par les salaires, des exigences de dépôt mises à jour et des implications financières potentielles des frais de traitement consulaire, il est essentiel de faire appel à un conseiller en immigration professionnel pour naviguer avec succès à travers ces changements et garantir le dépôt des demandes dans les délais et en conformité au cours de la période de dépôt allant du 1er avril au 30 juin 2026.


Ce blog n'est pas destiné à fournir des conseils juridiques et rien ici ne doit être interprété comme établissant une relation avocat-client. Veuillez prendre rendez-vous avec un avocat spécialisé en droit de l'immigration avant d'agir sur la base de toute information lue ici.

Kris Quadros-Ragar

UPDATE: Federal Court Postpones DHS Rule Eliminating “Duration of Status” (D/S)

By Juliana LaMendola • September 22, 2026
On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security , halting the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that was scheduled to eliminate “duration of status” (D/S) on September 15, 2026. As a result of this nationwide order, DHS is blocked from enforcing fixed periods of admission for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I media representatives while the litigation moves forward. Because the current “duration of status” framework remains in full effect, F, J, and I visa holders are not required to file Form I-539 extension of stay applications to remain in valid status beyond program end dates at this time. Furthermore, restrictions on academic transfers, constraints on enrolling in second programs at the same degree level, 240-day caps on continued employment while extensions are pending, and shortened grace periods do not apply during the injunction. F-1 nonimmigrants retain the full 60-day post-completion grace period, and J-1 holders maintain their 30-day grace period. However, please note that this preliminary injunction is not a final ruling invalidating the rule , and a status conference is scheduled for October 2, 2026, to determine next steps in the litigation. Immediate Practice Tips: Inspect I-94 Travel Records Upon Reentry: F, J, and I visa holders currently admitted under D/S retain their status and should continue to be readmitted under D/S following international travel until the injunction is lifted. However, because the I-94 record controls legal stay, travelers must inspect their CBP-issued Form I-94 immediately upon reentry to confirm the "Admit Until Date" states "D/S" rather than a specific expiration date. If a specific date is mistakenly recorded, contact a local CPB Deferred Inspection Site. Notify HR and Review Workplace Compliance: Employers sponsoring F-1 or J-1 employees should inform HR and hiring managers that the September 15 fixed-period rule is postponed and standard D/S rules govern. This development does not alter standard filing windows or Form I-9 verification procedures for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extensions.  Maintain Operational Readiness and Defer Unnecessary Filings: Visa holders and employers should defer travel or filing strategy decisions made solely in anticipation of the fixed-admission rule. Because DHS may appeal or the court could alter the timeline on short notice, institutions and visa holders should maintain readiness to adjust plans if implementation resumes. There are many evolving components to this litigation. If you are an F-1, J-1, or I visa holder, sponsoring institution, or employer, you should proactively coordinate with your international student office and legal counsel to protect your status and monitor upcoming court proceedings.

DHS Final Rule Eliminating “Duration of Status” (D/S): Practice Tips and Transition Procedures

By Juliana LaMendola • September 3, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published its final rule eliminating the longstanding "duration of status" (D/S) policy for F, J, and I visa holders, replacing it with a fixed period of admission effective September 15, 2026. This rule requires that those who need additional time to complete their programs must file Form I-539 with USCIS or travel abroad and seek to reenter to extend their authorized period of stay. F and J visa holders present in the U.S. and in valid status on September 15, 2026, will be allowed to remain in the United States until the Program End Date listed on their current Form I-20 (for F-1s) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1s), up to a maximum of four years (until September 15, 2030) plus a 60-day grace period for F-1s and a 30-day grace period for J-1s, without filing an Extension of Status request with USCIS. However, this safety net only applies while staying in the U.S.; international travel and subsequent reentry after September 15, 2026 will result in readmission under the new rule with an I-94 that expires on the Program End Date or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiration, but no later than four-years after their date of re-entry. Additionally, once re-admitted under the new rules, F-1s will only receive a 30-day grace period. Immediate Practice Tips: Any F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant currently in the U.S. who plans to change programs, start a new degree level, or needs more time to complete their studies must work with their school or program sponsor to update their SEVIS record and receive an extended Form I-20 or DS-2019 before September 15, 2026. Eligible F-1 students should submit their post-completion OPT or STEM OPT work authorization applications (Form I-765) before September 15, 2026, to secure their status and drastically reduce the likelihood of needing a Form I-539 extension application. Any F-1 student who is eligible to apply for OPT or STEM OPT before March 18, 2027, should do so as soon as they are eligible to file their Form I-765. Since F-1s can file OPT applications up to 90 days in advance of graduation, F-1 students graduating before June 15,2027, should be able to file their OPT applications before March 18, 2027, and should do so to avoid also having to file Form I-539 to extend their stay. Thus, most F-1 students graduating in December 2026 and May/June 2027 should be able to take advantage of the transition rule’s delay in having to file Form I-539 applications and should only need to file Form I-765 to apply for OPT. Incoming F-1 and J-1 students who can enter the United States before the September 15, 2026 effective date (within the permissible 30-day window prior to their program start) should do so to benefit from the transition rules, including the full 60-day F-1 grace period and deferred extension requirements. Students (F-1 and J-1) who are planning international travel should return before the effective date if possible to preserve their transition benefits.  There are many parts of the rule that are not discussed here. If you are currently an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, you should proactively coordinate with your institutions and international office to protect your status and stay informed.

USCIS Issues Updated Guidance on Public Charge Rules

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • August 27, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released updated policy guidance detailing how officers will evaluate "public charge" inadmissibility for individuals applying for green cards through adjustment of status. This update follows a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that rescinds the 2022 public charge regulations. The new policy takes effect on September 18, 2026 , and applies to all green card applications (Form I-485) postmarked or submitted on or after that date. Who Is Subject to the Public Charge Rule? Most family-based and employment-based green card applicants will be subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This includes spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, as well as most employment visa preference categories, investors, and diversity visa applicants. Certain categories remain explicitly exempt under immigration law. These include: Asylees and refugees Victims of human trafficking (T visa) or crime (U visa) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners Special Immigrant Juveniles Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants Certain military-related applicants and other designated humanitarian groups How USCIS Will Make Determinations USCIS officers will evaluate whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge by reviewing the totality of their circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Key factors include: Five Statutory Factors: Age, health, family status, assets/financial resources, and education or skills. Affidavit of Support: Submission of Form I-864 executed by a sponsor. Use of Public Benefits: USCIS will look at means-tested public benefits, such as cash assistance for income maintenance, housing assistance, food stamps (SNAP), or college financial aid. Note on timing: For benefits received before September 18, 2026, USCIS will only consider public cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutionalization at government expense. For benefits received on or after September 18, 2026, the broader consideration of all listed means-tested benefits will apply. Public Charge Bonds If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible solely on public charge grounds, USCIS may issue a Notice of Intent to Deny that invites the applicant to post a public charge bond using Form I-945. If an invited applicant successfully posts the required cash or surety bond, USCIS may approve the application for permanent residence. Public charge bonds can only be submitted if explicitly invited by USCIS. Santos Lloyd Law Firm will continue to monitor immigration developments closely and provide updates as further implementation details are released. For more information, please access: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-issues-guidance-on-making-public-charge-inadmissibility-determination
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